Cattleya seedling - sun burn or fungi?

[Jasper]

My cattleya Morning Glory hybrid seedling, has developed this brownish spot on one of her leaf. It wasn't there 3 days ago. Took pictures from front/back and shade/in sun. Am not sure if it is a form of sun spot/burn or a fungus infection.

Still a seedling so only a couple of leaves. If it is fungi will have to cut, but if ok want to leave her be
Appreciate comments of maestros.

With my home very shady I put my seedlings under direct morning sun for about 1 - 2 hours then bring it behind a shading for the rest of the day outside. When forecast calls for temperature going over 90s they are brought inside and sit by the south window (bright but no direct sun hits it)

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board.

The plant is extremely dessicated, and has been for some time. I think it's a spot dying from the combination of being too dry and getting hot sun. Fungus is highly unlikely unless relative humidity is high.

Did it arrive in that pot? How are you watering?

[rbarata]

I tend to agree with ES. In one of the photos the leaf surface is wrinkled and not smooth which indicates not enough water is getting absorbed by the plant.

[Jasper]

Thank you for the greeting and input estación seca and rbarata.

Watering I was soaking them 15-20mins when the medium felt just a bit moist but not bone dry, which was about in 5 days before the summer temps kicked in. And misted at least 3 times during the day behind sun blocking shade. Now with temperature over 80s was about once every 3 days from early June. I think with the leaves condition will need to aim more at watering when the medium feels moist but not damp.

The pot it was originally in was a 2" black plastic container. Did repot her to the 3" clay pot end of May. Will admit I damaged some roots in the process. Currently can see new roots here and there right under the current medium of bark and spagnum moss.

I have been aware of the leaves wrinkles
My area is dry so still going thru trial-and-error to adjust to my seedlings needs.

[Roberta]

There are two ways that a plant can get dehydrated. If the roots are good and it's just not getting watered enough, that's easy to fix. But if the roots are rotted (due to bad medium) then the plant can't take up water. So you can get the situation either with too little water, or too much. It's hard to see in the photos, but the medium loos pretty good (and appropriate for Catts, fairly large bark) But the visible roots don't look so great. So it may be a good idea to remove some of that medium to get a look at the roots deeper in the pot. If they are good, just put the medium back, it may have been recently repotted. But if they look bad, it may be time for a repot and treatment with a root stimulant such as Kelpak. So see if you can identify the cause of the dehydration.

[Jasper]

Thank you for the additional intel Roberta!
Sorry for the late response

Repotted back in May so medium is definitely new. Tried checking the current state of roots to where it looks to be safe zone without over bothering my Cattleya. Couldn't steady at an angle that I don't shadow so attached pic was the best shot I could get. At a different angle hidden under the top row of roots are a few more new growths too.

When repotting from original pot found the roots were clunged to flower block (Oasis?) tried to be gentle, but still did her damage Kelpak is not available in my area so will try other algae fertilizer! In the meanwhile as an immediate alternate thinking of trying the onion water.

[estación seca]

If that's a new shoot in the dark part of the photo, the plant should make new roots soon. The older roots don't look great, which is why it's having trouble taking up water.

Although this is a very tough plant that accepts a lot of mistreatment, most Cattleyas should only be repotted just as new root nubs are just forming.

Kelpak can be mail-ordered from First Rays online.

[Roberta]

A further note on repotting... don't try to remove any stuck-on old medium. Just leave it, so that you don't damage roots. Just dump out what comes easily, rinse off the roots (no worry about anything clinging) and repot.

[Jasper]

Appreciate the First Rays' info for Kelsak, estación seca . Definitely going to be looking more at the roots when next year or two later time's repot. Until then hoping the Kelsak will help to nurse my plant to get more healthy roots growing.

Will keep in mind for repotting, Roberta. Thank you for the little notes.

The tiny details is very helpful for this novice. Thank you very much!

[lobotomizedgoat]

An alternative Kelpak that I've seen in your area is Grow More seaweed extract. I haven't tried Kelpak so I cannot compare the two, but I've seen definite results from the Grow More with my epidendrum keikis, and probable results with my paphs and a little cattleya I recently repotted after rescue.